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Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
-Psalm 84:3

As I was preparing for youth group on Sunday night, I passed by the choir room. I heard the sounds of joy and peeked in. Donna Fallis, our music director, was seated around a table with three young ladies who were singing, reading, and giggling. They were rehearsing for a Christmas drama. Donna was skillfully weaving their energy and laughter and recitations into a fun rehearsal, never missing a word or moment.

I was reminded of the psalmist's words about the trust of the mother swallow who builds her nest on the altar of the Lord. The parents of these girls had made a decision to build their nest on the altar of the Lord, to offer their children to our family of faith and community of believers, to the benefit of these young girls and to us all, and the glory of God. Of all the altars on which their family could choose to build their nest on Sunday afternoon, theirs was being built on the Lord's.

Heidi Chinnock, the other half of our staff's dynamic music duo offered these words from Martin Luther this week... "I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess." The Extravagant Generosity of the parents of these young girls was the gift of their children, their trust, and the gifts these girls have to offer. They are being nurtured and taught to always offer themselves in this way, and the kingdom is built in such holy moments of laughter and love.

This week, I hope you'll join me in considering how we give of ourselves and how we offer our children to God and trust the Lord to guide their steps.

Prayer for Today

Lord, help me to trust you and offer what is most precious to me into your hands. Let us be a faith community where children are nurtured to be generous with their time and talents. Amen.